Comedian faces denial probe

A comedian is facing criminal investigation after inviting a Holocaust denier onto his live stage show.

The Paris Public Prosecutor has opened an inquiry into the actions of comedian and actor Dieudonné, after he invited controversial academic Robert Faurisson onto the stage at the Paris Zenith last Friday.

The inquiry will assess whether this might have constituted Holocaust denial or an act of anti-Semitic insult – both of which are crimes in France.

Culture Minister Christine Albanel is among those who have criticised the humourist, saying she is “upset,” about the incident, while Jewish students union the UEJF called Dieudonné the new leader of the far right.

The founder of a group for children of Jews deported from France, Serge Klarsfeld, described the stunt as “painful,” but added he did not think actual denial, which could be prosecuted, was involved.

Far right veteran Jean-Marie le Pen was among the audience on Friday, when Dieudonné invited on 80-year-old Faurisson to give him a joke prize for infréquentabilité (referring to a person you are not supposed to associate with) et insolence.

He welcomed him with a pat on the back, sparking off an ovation from the audience, and remarked: “Your applause is going to have a far-reaching impact,” adding: “Your presence here, and our welcome, are already a scandal in themselves.”
The “prize” was handed over by a stagehand dressed up as a Jewish deportee.

The incident was part of a show called J’ai Fait l’Con (I Messed Up).

Photo: Réseau Voltaire